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Average Price: $629

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$1001+

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Description

Discover the epitome of elegance and versatility with the Epiphone Les Paul Custom Black Beauty 3-Pickup. A nod to the iconic Gibson Les Paul Customs of the late '50s, this masterpiece blends vintage aesthetics with modern playability. Its trio of humbuckers delivers a wide range of tones, suitable for every genre from jazz to hard rock, making it a favorite among players seeking both style and substance. The Black Beauty isn't just an instrument; it's a statement piece, adorned with gold-plated hardware and pearloid block inlays that exude sophistication.

Key Features:

  • Three humbucker pickups offer a versatile tone palette
  • Gold-plated hardware for a touch of luxury
  • Multi-ply front and back binding adds to the guitar’s elegant aesthetic
  • Pearloid block inlays for a classic visual appeal
  • Solid mahogany body and neck construction ensures rich, warm tones
  • Rosewood fingerboard enhances playability and comfort
  • Equipped with a tune-o-matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece for stable tuning and intonation

Product specs

Brand Epiphone
Model Les Paul Custom Black Beauty (3-Pickup)
Finish Ebony
Year 1996 - 2019
Made In Korea, Republic of
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Fretboard Radius 12"
Model Family Epiphone Les Paul
Model Sub-Family Epiphone Les Paul Custom
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HHH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Wood Top Style Opaque

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Epiphone Les Paul Custom Black Beauty 3-Pickup?

The Epiphone Les Paul Custom Black Beauty 3-Pickup offers a versatile range of tones, from warm and rich to bright and cutting, thanks to its three humbucker pickup configuration. This makes it suitable for genres like rock, blues, and jazz.

Is the Epiphone Les Paul Custom Black Beauty 3-Pickup suitable for beginners?

While the Epiphone Les Paul Custom Black Beauty 3-Pickup is a high-quality instrument, its weight and complexity might be challenging for beginners. It is better suited for intermediate to advanced players who can fully appreciate its tonal versatility and craftsmanship.

What is the neck profile of the Epiphone Les Paul Custom Black Beauty 3-Pickup?

The Epiphone Les Paul Custom Black Beauty 3-Pickup features a comfortable 1960s SlimTaper neck profile, which is designed for fast and smooth playability, making it ideal for lead and rhythm guitarists alike.

Does the Epiphone Les Paul Custom Black Beauty 3-Pickup have a set-neck construction?

Yes, the Epiphone Les Paul Custom Black Beauty 3-Pickup utilizes a set-neck construction, which enhances sustain and provides a seamless playing experience across the neck.

How does the Epiphone Les Paul Custom Black Beauty 3-Pickup compare to a Gibson Les Paul?

The Epiphone Les Paul Custom Black Beauty offers similar aesthetics and tonal characteristics to a Gibson Les Paul but at a more affordable price point. While it provides excellent quality, Gibson models typically feature higher-end materials and craftsmanship.

Music City CZ

Music City CZ

Epiphone Les Paul Black Beauty 3 (Aivn)

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Les Paul Black Beauty 3 (Aivn) by Music City CZ

Epiphone Les Paul Black Beauty 3 (Aivn)

Music City CZ

Music City CZ

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Les Paul Custom Black Beauty by Robert Jackson

Epiphone Les Paul Custom Black Beauty

Robert Jackson

Robert Jackson

Video thumbnail for 2001 epiphone black beauty 3 pickup les paul custom by MADMALKO

2001 epiphone black beauty 3 pickup les paul custom

MADMALKO

MADMALKO

Reviews

PROS

  • Stunning aesthetics with beautiful black finish and gold hardware

  • Three pickups offer versatile tonal options

  • Powerful sound, even on smaller amps

  • Excellent construction and craftsmanship

  • Smooth, fast neck enhances playability

  • Good fretwork and intonation

  • Stays in tune well with the stop tail bridge

  • White binding stands out compared to aged yellow on other models

  • Retains quality over time, even when bought used

CONS

  • Gold hardware prone to tarnishing

  • Pickups described as shrill by some users

  • Middle pickup can interfere with playing technique

  • Some users report issues with toggle switch and tuning stability

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone Les Paul Custom Black Beauty 3-Pickup.

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners have replaced the middle pickup with a P90 style single coil and the neck pickup with a Gretsch Filtertron style for versatile sound combinations.

    Source
  • A push-pull pot can be installed to activate the middle pickup, allowing for various pickup combinations beyond the standard configurations.

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  • Removing pickup covers as a tribute to Peter Frampton is a popular mod among enthusiasts for aesthetic and tonal changes.

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  • Installing a push-pull pot allows for activation of the middle pickup, enabling combinations like using the neck and bridge pickups together for more tonal options.

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Build quality

  • The stock pickups are appreciated for their sound, and the smooth fret edges have been noted to withstand low humidity and temperature changes without becoming sharp.

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  • The Epiphone Black Beauty from the Saein Plant in Korea has a distinct headstock shape and logo style that collectors value.

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Use cases and applications

  • The guitar is favored by a full-time guitar teacher for downtuned songs, highlighting its versatility for different musical styles.

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  • The three humbucker setup is highlighted for its aesthetic appeal, described as decadent and over the top, in a positive sense.

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User experience

  • Despite comparisons to higher-end models like the Nashville Tele and Les Paul Junior, owners often retain the Black Beauty for sentimental reasons and its unique playability.

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  • Owners appreciate the guitar's shiny finish even after many years, maintaining its new appearance and drawing compliments.

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Features and functionality

  • The standard factory pickup configuration is neck, middle+bridge, and bridge, but customization options for out-of-phase and individual pickups are abundant.

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  • The middle and bridge pickups are activated together in the middle position on the selector switch, providing a fuller, punchier sound than standard Les Paul configurations.

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Comparisons

  • Owners often discuss the tonal versatility of this model in relation to the custom wiring setup of Jimmy Page's guitar.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dagames uses Epiphone Les Paul Custom Black Beauty 3-Pickup

Dagames

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Twitter

Dagames uses the Epiphone Les Paul Custom Black Beauty 3-Pickup guitar, as seen in a tweet from their official Twitter account. This model, distinct from the "Joe Bonamassa" Signature Custom, is relatively rare and possibly dates back to 2006, with a few listed on Reverb.

See how Jakob Nowell uses Epiphone Les Paul Custom Black Beauty 3-Pickup

Jakob Nowell

Singer, Guitarist

Sublime

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Jakob Nowell can be seen with the Epiphone Les Paul Custom Black Beauty 3-Pickup.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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